Tomball ISD Purchases Former Corporate Headquarters of BJ Services

TOMBALL - Tomball ISD has officially signed the purchase agreement of the former corporate headquarters of BJ Services. This campus, located within Tomball ISD boundaries off FM 2920, includes a 70-acre site consisting of 11 buildings and more than 20 acres for future development.

In June, the Tomball ISD Board of Trustees authorized the Superintendent of Schools or Chief Financial Officer to take action necessary to facilitate and finalize the purchase of this campus. Then, on August 12, during its regular meeting, the School Board unanimously approved the purchase of all facilities at the BJ Services complex for $39.5 million plus closing costs using reserve funds available in the General Fund.

With the purchase of this multifaceted and innovative campus, Tomball ISD will bring about the largest multi-purpose educational complex in the area and be able to offer innovative opportunities for generations to come. 

“The purchase of the former headquarters of BJ Services is a game-changer for Tomball ISD,” said Dr. Martha Salazar-Zamora, Superintendent of Schools. “We must credit the visionary leadership of the board and their willingness to support our innovative mindset. They listen, they understand and they are fully aware of the value a purchase like this would bring to our community and its ability to set us apart in imaginative ways and for many, many years. More importantly, this opportunity is another example of how the board continues to support the needs which align with our vision, “students will lead in creating the future.”

It was just over a year ago that Tomball ISD’s innovative plans to partner with BJ Services for the Tomball ISD Academy of Energy and International Business on this exact campus were put on hold when BJ Services filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. 

“While the original plans of our Academy of Energy and International Business at BJ Services didn’t come to fruition, we are elated that with this purchase, our dream to continually provide more for all students from strong academics to CTE course offerings, will now become a focused-reality very soon,” Salazar-Zamora said.

Tomball ISD will consider moving Tomball Star Academy, its early college high school, to this new location as well as house CTE programs never before conceived in the district that include industry-based standards and innovative programs of study. 

“Adding a large industrial park and cutting edge laboratory space will enable Tomball ISD to expand our Career and Technical Education programs and provide students with the hands-on training and facilities that are representative of those used in industry as well as support our goal of ensuring that students have the technical, academic and employability skills that lead to successful careers,” said Karla Sandoval, Director of CTE.

The educational complex will also allow Tomball ISD to greatly address the needs for growth and expand with plans on adding a new show barn, an elementary school and an additional transportation center. The options for innovative utilization of space at this site are almost limitless. 

“What this complex will provide Tomball ISD, the community, local businesses and students will be like no other and the acquisition removes countless barriers to innovation and progress within Tomball ISD for the foreseeable future,” said Dr. Amy Schindewolf, Chief Academic Officer.

Tomball ISD Board of Trustees also called for a November 2 bond election. The $567 million bond package included renovations and upgrades to the BJ Services Complex (renamed Eastside Complex) in Proposition A: 

• Eastside Complex - Site Development
• Eastside Complex - Show Barn
• Eastside Complex - CTE Program
• Eastside Complex - Transportation Center Relocate
• Eastside Complex - Tomball Star Academy Relocate
• Eastside Complex - Elementary School

ABOUT TOMBALL ISD
Tomball ISD educates students to become responsible, productive citizens by providing innovative, individually rigorous, and personally valuable educational experiences. Founded in 1908, Tomball ISD now encompasses 83 square miles in northwest Harris County and southwest Montgomery County, and is located approximately 30 miles from downtown Houston. The district currently educates over 19,000 students at 22 campuses.